How to answer a 6 mark question (WJEC Eduqas GCSE Geography B): Revision Note

Answering a 6-mark question

• A six-mark question is usually one that needs you to think and explain your answer

  • It is usually an AO2 or lower-level AO3 question

• These questions want more than just facts; they want you to show cause and effect through structured answers

• The core objective for a 6-mark question is to produce:

  • A thorough and elaborated response

  • Showing a clear understanding through a chain(s) of reasoning

• In short: tell the examiner what happens and why, linking your ideas together clearly

Steps to write a 6 mark answer

Step 1: Understand the command word

• Always start by identifying the command word and its specific demands:

  • Explain (why):

    • This is the most common 6-mark command

    • It requires you to show cause and effect

    • You need to provide multiple linked reasons or go into greater depth on one or two reasons

  • Describe (when used in a high AO2 context):

    • You need detailed characteristics, patterns, or processes, often supported by specific data or facts (case study material)

  • Analyse/evaluate (when used in band 2/3):

    • You might need to discuss advantages/disadvantages or weigh up issues, but you don't need a balanced conclusion

Step 2: Build detailed chains of reasoning

• To reach the highest band (5-6 marks), you must demonstrate 'clear understanding through relevant chain(s) of reasoning'

  • A chain of reasoning is simply linking one idea (A) to a consequence (B), and then linking that consequence (B) to a further outcome (C)

• Avoid superficial points:

  • Don't just list simple or vague statements

  • Instead of writing 'more jobs', elaborate:

    • The new factory creates employment (A), which means local people have a more stable, regular income (B), allowing them to spend more money in local shops, creating a positive multiplier effect. (C)

• Specific detail is key:

  • If the question relates to an area you have studied (an ecosystem, a city, a weather event), your answer must use specific facts (names, locations, numerical data) to elaborate your points

  • Generic responses that could apply anywhere typically restrict you to the lowest band

Step 3: Structure and length

• For a 6-mark question, aim to develop your ideas clearly

• Since the mark scheme often awards marks for a chain of reasoning (e.g. 1+1+1), you should aim for two to three developed points

  • Structure for success: Write in clear, short paragraphs, with each paragraph focusing on developing one clear reason or consequence

    • Example 1 (economic): State the initial cause clearly → explain the immediate effect (e.g., job creation) → explain the long-term benefit (e.g. government tax revenue improving health services)

    • Example 2 (physical process): State the physical action (e.g. abrasion) → explain the result of that action (e.g. cliff undercutting) → explain how this contributes to the final landform (e.g. a notch leading to collapse and wave-cut platform formation)

  • Use precise terminology: Make sure you use terms related to the topic (e.g., if discussing rivers, use terms like 'flows', 'stores', 'outputs', 'suspension', and 'abrasion'

Common errors to avoid in 6-mark questions